The All Progressives Congress (APC) has summoned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State following a Federal High Court ruling that temporarily halted the party’s ward-level congresses in the state. The development adds to ongoing tensions within the APC as internal contests and legal challenges continue to unfold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, party leaders directed Aiyedatiwa to appear before the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to explain circumstances surrounding the court order, which stopped planned congress activities meant to restructure the party’s grassroots leadership across Ondo. The party described the summons as necessary to ensure clarity and compliance with internal protocols amid legal pressures.
The court injunction which was secured by aggrieved party members — prevented the APC from holding ward congresses, citing procedural irregularities in the process. The judge agreed that certain steps planned by the state party leadership did not conform with the party’s constitution and national guidelines, leading to the halt order.
In response to the development, the APC leadership in Abuja described the legal challenge as an internal dispute that should be resolved within the party’s structures and through dialogue, rather than public litigation. The NWC’s decision to summon Aiyedatiwa reflects concern that the party must uphold unity and cohesion ahead of internal elections and preparations for broader electoral contests.
Supporters of the governor have defended the ward congress schedule, saying it was designed to strengthen the APC’s grassroots presence and improve coordination at the local level. They argue that the push for grassroots organisation is vital to the party’s competitiveness in future elections.
However, critics within the party allege that irregularities in the planning process created opportunities for factional interests to influence outcomes at the ward level, prompting some members to pursue court action. The injunction has raised questions about how internal party procedures are managed and has drawn attention to the need for transparent frameworks.
The APC’s summons to Aiyedatiwa is part of wider efforts by party leaders to engage state chapters directly on matters affecting party cohesion and compliance with organisational rules. Party insiders say that such interactions are essential for preventing further legal setbacks and ensuring that internal elections proceed smoothly.
Political analysts note that internal conflicts like this could affect the APC’s image and readiness as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections. They emphasise that resolving disagreements internally and respecting legal processes will be critical for the ruling party’s stability and public confidence.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s office has not yet issued a detailed statement in response to the summons, but aides say the governor remains committed to engaging with party structures and addressing concerns raised by both the court and stakeholders.
The need to balance judicial directives with internal party protocols highlights the challenges political parties face in navigating legal scrutiny while maintaining organisational discipline. The APC’s actions in Ondo underscore the importance of adhering to procedural norms to avoid prolonged disputes as the party gears up for future political battles.
